How are Flood-Prone Areas Identified?
Flood maps and Flood Insurance Studies (FIS) are often used to identify flood-prone areas. The NFIP was established in 1968 as a means of providing low-cost flood insurance to the nation’s flood-prone communities. The NFIP also reduces flood losses through regulations that focus on building codes and sound floodplain management. In the City of West Covina, the NFIP and related building code regulations went into effect on March 1, 1978. NFIP regulations (44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Chapter 1, Section 60, 3) require that all new construction in floodplains must be elevated at or above base flood level. Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Studies (FIS) Floodplain maps are the basis for implementing floodplain regulations and for delineating flood insurance purchase requirements. A Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) is the official map produced by FEMA, which delineates SFHA in communities where NFIP regulations apply. FIRMs are also used by insurance agents and mor
